Teenager Jailed For Stealing Mobile Phone In Abuja

A Grade 1 Area Court in Mararaba, Abuja, on Wednesday sentenced a student, Joseph Olowu, 19, of Aso Pada to 15 months imprisonment for stealing a mobile phone.

The judge, Alfred Maga, convicted the accused on a two-count charge of stealing and constituting public nuisance.

Mr. Maga, however, gave the convict an option to pay N6, 000 fine.

The judge also ordered the convict to pay N5, 000 as compensation to one Ayuba Tona, the owner of the phone which he stole.

Mr. Maga said, “Why will a 19-year-old be engaged in crimes? You should face your studies and ensure that you improve yourself and the society at large.’’

He advised the convict to be of good behaviour, warning that the court would not be lenient with him, the next time he appeared before it.

Prosecutor Inuwa Maigida told the court that the matter was first reported at the ‘A’ Division Police Station by Tona of Kabiyi village, Mararaba, on Feb. 10.

He said that around 5.30 p.m. on the same day, around the Express Bread by Sharp Corner, Mararaba, Olowu and one Wahab, now at large, conspired and stole Tona’s Techno phone, valued at N20, 000, his wallet containing N6, 900 and identity card.

Mr. Maigida said that during a search on Olowu, N6, 390 and a substance suspected to be Indian Hemp, were found on him.